Reversal allows immigrants facing deportation a lawyer
WASHINGTON D.C.- The Obama administration today reversed a Bush administration rule that said immigrants facing deportation do not have an automatic right to an effective lawyer.
Attorney General Eric Holder said he is vacating the order, which was issued by predecessor Michael Mukasey. Holder said he is instructing the Justice Department to begin creating a new rule.
Charles Kuck, president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said the move is "the beginning of the restoration of due process in the immigration system."
Today, Holder also said Mukasey's decision had not allowed for adequate public comment on the issue.
United States immigration courts currently do not track how many immigrants want to reopen cases due to claims of ineffective counsel.
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